Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Latest Episodes:

Consequences of "Free Basketball" and a Jimmy Butler–Suns Fit Check Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Austin and Pausha kick things off by sharing their favorite go-to song after hearing Jokic loves listening to "Many Men" by 50 Cent (0:15). Then they hit on DLo’s comments regarding “free basketball” (4:39) and dissect both sides of the coin while also referencing Anthony Edwards’s recent play and potential adjustments (22:48).

Later, they do some “fit checks,” weighing how Jimmy Butler would fit in with the Suns (27:35) and discussing which type of ball handler would be best next to Cade Cunningham in Detroit (46:07).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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The Problem With “Ring Culture” and CP3-Kobe Jersey Story Time Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Austin and Pausha start the week by breaking down "ring culture" (10:51) and discussing how to work through performance anxiety (19:47).

Then, they discuss which lower-seeded teams, among the Warriors, Lakers, Suns, and Timberwolves, would be the most competitive come playoff time (31:54).

Later, they hit on the awkward moment between Jayson Tatum and Steve Kerr (36:26), and then Austin shares the scarring moment Chris Paul snatched up Kobe's game-worn 24 jersey… for his son (47:46).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ja Morant Flies Over Wemby! Plus, Trade Deadline Assessments and Jerseys for Auction. Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Austin and Pausha kick things off with talk about Wemby’s jersey swap and the news that it was posted for auction soon after (1:00). Then, Austin shares which player’s leg sleeve (!) he had (4:15) and what sneakers he used to rock back in the day (7:21).

Later, they briefly hit on Cooper Flagg’s potential fit with the Raptors (18:40) before discussing potential trade deadline moves with Cam Johnson, CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and, of course, Jimmy Butler (24:43).

Lastly, they touch on Russ’s recent comments to Jalen Green (48:04) and declare Ja Morant’s dunk over Wemby as the best dunk of the season (even if it didn’t count) (53:55).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cooper Flagg-Hornets Fit and the In-Person Giannis Experience Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

Austin and Pausha recap their weekend attending Magic games in Orlando and discuss their takeaways, from differences in playing time for Anthony Black vs. Cole Anthony, to Paolo Banchero returning from injury, to watching Giannis play in person (2:00).

Then, they hit on the Pacers’ uphill trajectory (18:24), before breaking down how Cooper Flagg could potentially look if he were to be drafted by the Hornets (21:20).

Later, they run through Zion’s suspension (33:31), Cade Cunningham holding his own in Detroit (40:15), and much more!

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LeBron’s Ridiculous Dunk, Zion Returns, and How Wemby Can Become Unguardable Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

Austin and Pausha break down last night’s games and start with addressing what Wemby needs to improve on to become unguardable (2:58). Then, they transition to talking about the highly anticipated Thunder-Cavs game, as they reevaluate Chet’s impact for OKC (24:26) and discuss the Cavs’ impressive play (27:14).

Later, they hit on their Dunk of the Year candidate with LeBron punching it on Dereck Lively II (35:44), followed by Austin reflecting on a time he was viciously dunked on (42:01) and the time Brandon Knight was his roommate (44:31).

Then, they share their takeaways on the latest news, from Zion’s first game back, to Reed Sheppard dominating in the G-League, to the Cooper Flagg dunk, and to the seemingly defeated Warriors (51:26).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s Left for OKC to Prove and Where Jimmy Goes From Here. Plus, LiAngelo Ball Spits Fire on "Tweaker." Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

Austin and Pausha kick things off with praise for LiAngelo Ball’s new song, "Tweaker" (0:10). Then, they dive into the Jimmy Butler–Heat conversation, breaking down arguments for both sides with who’s right and who’s wrong (8:25) before transitioning into a conversation about Ant and how he can improve (24:22). Then they talk about the Thunder's impressive record and what we expect from them in regard to SGA and postseason play (32:34). Later, they hit on the Bulls’ tribute to Derrick Rose (44:09), before hitting on Spurs-Nuggets (53:36), and discussing whether Wemby could be considered for “face of the league” (58:28).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Year’s Fit Check: KAT-Knicks, Westbrook-Nuggets, and D-Lo-Nets Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

Austin and Pausha are back in the new year and kick things off with talk about D’Angelo Russell’s fit with the Nets and discuss which team might be best suited for his offensive style in the long run (5:47). Then, they dive even further into the “fit” conversation and break down Russell Westbrook’s chemistry with Jokic (14:08), KAT’s success with the Knicks (21:07), and what teams like the Timberwolves and players like Zion need in order to be competitive (28:02).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cade Cunningham Underrated? Plus, Figuring Out the Kuminga-Warriors Dynamic. Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha are back before the New Year to break down all the holiday hoops. They kick things off by talking through Cole Anthony’s fluctuating role with the Magic (2:10) before getting into the similar situation with Brandin Podziemski and Golden State. They also discuss Jonathan Kuminga's recent uptick in play and the current dynamic with him, the Warriors, and Steph Curry (14:58). Later, they get into the NBA ratings discourse (16:55) before giving a birthday shout-out to LeBron James on his 40th (29:58). Finally, Austin shares his perspective on Mike Brown’s firing, and they wrap things up by giving Cade Cunningham some well-deserved flowers (47:40).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Giannis and the Bucks Are Back, OKC’s Missing Piece, and Our All-Star Game Fix Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha jump into the show by breaking down the success of the NBA Cup. They discuss Giannis’s dominant performance and where the Bucks rank in the East after their win (2:04). Then, they hit on OKC’s loss and what type of player they might be missing (8:10).

Then, they give Dame his flowers after Adidas announced a lifetime sneaker deal, and touch on his impressive performance with the Bucks and his relationship with Giannis (15:10).

Later, Austin answers some rapid-fire questions about trade rumors and the new All-Star format (53:12).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did the Lakers Miss Out on Schröder? Plus, the NBA Cup's Impact and Brunson Gifts Austin His Signed Jersey. Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha discuss the recent Magic-Knicks matchup and Austin shares the moment Jalen Brunson handed him a signed jersey with a personal message (8:03). Then, the guys dive into trade rumors and discuss which team might’ve made more sense for Dennis Schröder than the Warriors (23:47). Later, they talk through the upcoming NBA Cup finals between the Bucks and Thunder and what a win might mean for either team (38:13). Lastly, Austin and Pausha share their favorite Christmas movies ahead of the holidays (65:23)!

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.